Discussion
Dysfunctional breathing (DB) is a condition of the airways characterized
by an irregular breathing pattern and changes in the airways that cannot
be attributed to a specific diagnosis and that causes respiratory and
non-respiratory problems. (4) It is not a disease process, but rather
changes in respiratory patterns that disrupt normal respiratory
processes. However, DB can coexist with diseases such as bronchial
asthma or heart disease. The main symptom is shortness of breath or air
hunger, associated with non-respiratory symptoms such as dizziness,
palpitations, cervical spine pain or fatigue. (6) It also plays a role
in chronic fatigue, neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, and some aspects
of anxiety and depression. (6)
The most common type of DB is hyperventilation syndrome, which is
defined as respiration exceeding metabolic requirements, reducing blood
carbon dioxide concentrations below normal values. (4) This changes the
pH of the blood, increases the alkalinity and thus triggers a number of
adaptive changes that cause symptoms. These conditions are non-somatic
in nature and their treatment consists of respiratory rehabilitation by
various techniques (diaphragmatic breathing, Feldenkrais method, Buteyko
method, Pilates) and psychotherapy in order to control impulsive changes
in the respiratory pattern in various situations. (6)